The Power of Green Tea:Health
Tip
March 10, 2005
By Nancyann Rella
Although the health benefits of tea drinking have been
described for centuries, only recently have its medicinal
properties been investigated scientifically.
Studies have found an association between drinking
green tea and a reduced risk for several cancers, including
those of the skin, breast, lung, colon, esophagus and
bladder. And research has shown that the antioxidants
in green, black and oolong teas can help block the oxidation
of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol,
and improve artery function.
The Harvard Women's Health Watch offers a few suggestions
for tea time:
How much should you drink? Among cultures in which
green tea is popular, the typical amount is three cups
per day.
The best way to get the disease-fighting nutrients in
tea is to drink it freshly brewed after allowing it
to steep for three to five minutes. Decaffeinated, bottled
ready-to-drink tea preparations, and instant teas have
less of these compounds.
Tea can impede the absorption of iron from fruits and
vegetables. Adding lemon or milk may help counter this
problem.
Source:www.forbes.com
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